This venture should result in gains in financial terms apart from development of infrastructure that comes along with these games. Yadav implies that it would not happen when he says: "What do we gain, barring a few medals and some IOA officials having a good time?" This aspect has to be investigated: whether Games are a profitable venture or not (usually they are profitable despite initial expenses for bidding and infrastructure).
If the Games are profitable, I do not understand Yadav's contention. For money is needed for development. Profitable ventures such as hosting a Commonwealth Games can be the proponents of bringing in new money into the country. It is common knowledge how much hosting an Olympic, for example, boosts the economy of a nation. Just recently, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that India wanted to host the Asian Games and the Olympics in the near future.
Also, it is too late for Yadav to raise the issue. India cannot withdraw from hosting the Commonwealth Games now at this late stage when the contracts have been signed. I am all for raising issues, but why not raise them when they can be resolved? Yadav's raising points right now just points towards creating a furor and gaining attention. And we all know politicians thrive when they get attention.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks to a commenter, the article has been edited to reflect that it is Sharad Yadav who made the statements.
Article comments
1 - manja
Dude, you should check your facts before commenting on it. Its not sharad pawar (the union minister), its sharad yadav (a opposition party leader). Shame on you for misleading ppl.
2 - Pratyush
Manja, Thank you for pointing the error. I could have sworn it read Pawar yesterday! The larger point I was making does stand though.
3 - manja
Hey Pratyush, sorry abt the "shame" part (It wasn't meant to be a personal attack). I know the story is true abt Mr. Sharad Yadav (an obscure politician from Bihar), but its always a fact that the opposition in India opposes every(majority atleast) policy of the govt just for the sake of opposing. So, whether a union minister makes such an allegation or the opposition leader makes it really makes a HUGE difference.
4 - Yash
somethings are pricless mr. sharad yadav!
5 - eshita kapoor
i agree with you that india has not got the capability of hosting the commonwealth games .As seen in Delhi (according to my observation) this year our government is taking action but what about the passed years .
have they waken up now?And i dont think so that if this is going to happen ,our country will progress,but still i can say that somethings are priceless.(as yash said)
6 - Aussie
India shouldn't host the Commonwealth Games?
Why the bloody hell not? At a time when India is strutting its stuff on the global stage, this is a perfect opportunity to showcase what modern India is all about.
If you don't want 'em, send down here to Australia instead.
7 - The truth
Surely the money wwould be better spent in actually trying to create this so called 'modern India' and maybe helping the millions and millions living on the streets with nothing to their name.
8 - rahul
Bad
9 - Nivee
They say they want to host the games to step into the limelight, so India can get some attention.
But I'm sure if India will use all that money to build schools for the poor, we'll be in the center of attention for the right reasons!
10 - chris
yes your are right nivee